Sancti Spiritus

March 21^st:

We left Trinidad at 11:30am. The taxi was not in the best shape. The gears/clutch were not working good. The taxi kept dying until it was able to get into 3rd gear. The ride was 1 hour 10 minutes (58k for $25.00). When we arrived, the driver couldn't find the casa. He had to stop and call Thania (the owner) for directions. We drove a couple blocks, then saw a big woman out on the street to direct us. The taxi died! He finally got it started again and we followed a woman, on her motor scooter, to lead us to Hostal Santa Elena where we stayed a week.

Thania (pronounced Tanya) is a beautiful darling woman with a great sense of humor. She owns a motor scooter (we saw a lot of these – electric ones – while in Cuba) which is kept locked inside the front door entry. China (pronounced Gina) is a big, lovey-dovey woman who does the cooking. She got on my nerves because she required a ‘hello’ kiss very morning, and a ‘goodbye’ kiss every evening. Besides that, whenever I was trying to enjoy some quiet time, while Brian was out and about, she’d knock then come on in – without waiting for me to answer -- wanting to chat. Yet, she knew no English! Eventually, it got to the point that, when Brian was leaving, he’d tell them I was napping.

This casa was, without a doubt, the most gorgeous one we stayed in. Beautifully decorated rooms and courtyard! We were going to get a hotel if this place was as disappointing as Casa Smith, but it was above and beyond our expectations -- as good as a hotel and a LOT cheaper!

The meals were excellent – our favorite was a supper of pork ribs, sliced roasted potatoes with green beans, and a seasoned rice -- all very good! The table was always set in pleasant style.   

                                                               Breakfast for me :)

                                                                 Table set for we

It was only $20 per night for a room with a full size fridge (she gave me a full size ice tray -- woohoo!). She had 2 five gallon jugs of purified water in the courtyard that was free to use! The shower had great pressure with hot water! Lots of lights/lamps that were bright, plus a digital bedside clock.

The front door and iron gate stays locked at all times. You ring a buzzer, she looks down from the window to see who it is, then pushes a button to unlock the door. You walk up 2 short flight of stairs into her parlor, then on to your room.

The bed pillows were very heavy (not really a con, more of a funny). They were the density of couch cushions. Brian said “If you lift one, use your knees, keep your back straight!” I said “They'd make good smothering pillows, if the impact didn't kill you when throwing it on top of someone, the suffocation would!”  

                                                                 Front of the casa

                                                                       Our room

                                                                    The courtyard

                                                                    Living room

Thania loved the translator app on my tablet. We would sit in the parlor and type back and forth getting to know each other. Really cool!

While we were there, we needed to get a visa extension for me. Americans can only stay 30 days, then must renew for another 30 days. They are allowed 60 days total, whereas Canadians (and others) can stay 90 days with one renewal of 90 days again.

Omg!! We ended up walking half the town to find the Immigration office! We walked 10 blocks to the big bank where we needed to buy the visa stamp ($25). All went quick there.  Then we walked 6 blocks to the Immigration office. They said they couldn’t help us so they  directed us to another office. We walked 6 blocks down, turned for 3 more blocks, turned for 4 more to the police station so we could ask where the place was. They told us to go one more block to that Immigration office. It turned out we were only 8 blocks from the casa -- jeez! We went inside, had a short wait, then was called in to the office. She gave me an extension of 6 weeks, although I didn’t need it for that long! At least, next time, we know where to go.

During our walking spree, we saw plaster workers walking down the street – what an odd sight!  

                

One place we visited was the Colonial del Arte which had beautiful rooms/paintings, etc.                                    

Then we went Dino’s Pizza and had the most delicious Hawaiian pizza! Thin slices of ham with thin fresh pineapple slices, extra cheese on a very soft bread/crust that you could slice with a butter knife! Mmm-mm-mm!

Another visit to the Plaza, we noticed a huge mercado (supermarket) where vegetables and RAW meats were laid out on counters -- in the open, in the heat!! Brian asked if I saw any bacon. I said I wouldn't buy any if I did -- probably spoiled!!    

                                                   Raw meats for sale in the mercado

                                                                   Fresh veggies

Then we went down to the river. We found the 5th Santa Elena store (Thania had suggested it as a nice place to visit).  We had walked so far, for so long, that I had to pee. Thank goodness there was a bathroom there! When I came out, I was sweating so badly that the attendant grabbed a bunch of toilet paper and wiped  my face and chest. Brian bought a beautiful guayabera shirt -- long sleeve, light blue -- for $45. 

                                                    Didn't get a photo of Brian in his

When we got back to the casa, the girls oohed and aahed over him in his new shirt – he lapped up the attention indeed! Hahahahaha!